Time to issue breakfast invites
Registrations for this year’s Pink Ribbon Breakfasts have opened, and Breast Cancer Foundation NZ ambassador Stacey Morrison is encouraging Northlanders to host a get-together next month in support of the Breast Cancer Foundation.
The foundation is hoping to better last year’s tally of more than 80 breakfasts in Northland, five of which were hosted in Kaikohe, and five in Kaitaia. More than 150 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Northland, proceeds this year once again going towards research and patient support.
Stacey, whose mother Sue died of breast cancer at the age of 45, said experiencing was a strong motivation for doing something proactive. Becoming a BCFNZ ambassador and fronting the Pink Ribbon Breakfast campaign was one more way in which she could honour her mother’s memory.
“Mum was very community-minded. She absolutely would have embraced Pink Ribbon Breakfast,” she said.
“I always love seeing the Pink Ribbon Breakfasts hosted by people all over New Zealand. It’s a positive way to support the cause, to honour a strong survivor you know, or in memory of someone special. ”
Evangelia Henderson, chief executive at Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, said the funds raised will help support NZ research into many aspects of breast cancer, including vaccines and immunotherapies.
“We must push relentlessly for scientific breakthroughs. Without research there will be no progress,” she said.
Money raised would also help support patients by funding advice, counselling, physiotherapy, group exercise programmes and lymphoedema treatment.
“Breast cancer patients deserve all the support they can get while enduring what can be gruelling treatment, and we are able to make a real difference in many patients’ lives,” Mrs Henderson added.
“With more than 3300 women diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and 600 a year still dying, there is no letup in the need for research and support. “We are also funding a breast cancer national register that tracks patient treatment and outcomes. This register will help us compare patterns and trends across New Zealand, and against the rest of the world, to help identify areas for improvement.
“We want Kiwi women to have the best possible treatment, and both research and support are a huge part of that,” so please, host a breakfast — your help will make a real difference.”
■ For more information, or to register to host a Pink Ribbon Breakfast, go to www.pinkribbonbreakfast.co.nz Hundreds of friends, wha¯ nau and supporters of a young Far North dad who is battling cancer turned out for an Easter-themed fundraiser at Kaikohe’s Pioneer Village on Saturday.
The Big Bunny Easter Event featured train and pony rides, an Easter egg hunt, crafts, kai, bouncy castles and more, all proceeds going to a Givealittle campaign for Whitinga Harris, from O¯ taua, a 31-year-old primary school teacher who was diagnosed late last year with Stage 4 colon cancer.
Whitinga, who is now undergoing chemotherapy, has been told the unfunded drug Keytruda, which will cost $100,000, offered his best chance of spending more time with his sons.
So far the appeal has raised more than $44,000, supporters travelling from as far as Pukekohe to take part on Saturday.
Meanwhile Whitinga’s cousin Haze Kopa is offering a special deal on tattoos and haircuts at his shop, Tuturu Toi, at 152 Broadway in Kaikohe, until this Saturday. Contributions can be made at www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/from-graduationto-hospital-gown